Yes in a way. The problem with mine was a shudder feeling like you were going over smAall consecutive speed bumps which occured at 29-32 mph after you let off the gas and started to re-accelerate slowly. The first dealer diagnosis said that they couldn't find anything and because of that they couldn't do anything. After I finally learned how to reproduce it they said it was my hydralic motor nounts and that it would be $900 to replace 1 and if that didn't do it They would try something else......at my expense of course. I had 2 very good mechanics drive it and the second one said immediately that it was the torque converter. He told me he could put an additive called shudder Stop in and it should work and did work. Now I knew for sure it was the torque converter and felt that they were covering this thing up because of what I read on this posting. When I went back to the same dealer and expalined these events the tech said that many had this same problem. They ended up offering an approx. $1800 with me paying $750. I had it done and all is well.........so far. Point is they still may not have completely resolved this issue and it doesn't always show up on day one, mine was out of warrenty when I finally figured out how to reproduce it.
Why did you pay for these things. There are service bulletins out on the torque converter and something about a motor mount. The warranty is 60,000 miles on these issues.
Why would you consider buying one of these? Will it be an expensive mistake...most likely (definitely if you value your time). As you can see from all the post on here Odyssey owners are not a happy bunch. Just keep in mind that probably 99 percent of the people having problems don't even read this board let alone post on it. There are other vehicles to choose from. This was my third Honda but it will be my last. My lease is up in 6 months and I can't wait for it to be over.
We have a 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L Touring or whatever, the top model they make. It has the ECO system, that turns off 3 of the 6 cylinders to save gas. I think this system must put real strain on the motor mounts, as we noticed big vibration the last several months, around 48,000 miles. We have 52,000 miles now. Took it to Norm Reeves Honda in Cerritos, CA and they tried to charge us over $700 to fix it, saying it was not covered. Even after I called back to have them double-check, the guy (Anthony O) said he talked to the Service Manager, and it was for sure not covered. Well, I checked several websites, and even found a press release from Honda saying it is 5 years, 60,000 miles not 50,000 miles: http://automobiles.honda.com/news/press-releases-article.aspx?Category=Fit%205-D- oor&Article=2006031670437
So he said very sheepishly, "yeah it's covered". I believe this must be a dealer scam, where they charge us for the repair, AND also bill Honda for the warranty work.
If you have vibration issues, get it fixes while under warranty, and make sure the dealer does not scam you!!!! Our warranty was 60,000 not the 50,000 that the dealer repeatedly said it was.
Hey grandma I'd guess that the % of owners posting about judder problems on this board is much higher than the % of ALL owners who have the problem........on this thread, nearly 100% of the posts are from someone who has the problem! Amazing! Therefore I'd guess that nearly 100% of people all Odyssey owners also have this problem in the real world....
go google selection bias when you have some free time
I have a 2009 Honda Odyssey.(standard model). From the moment I drove it off the lot I noticed the vibration issues. The first time my wife took it in they told her there was a software update that should fix the issue. Didn't work. The second time I took it in they told me it was normal operation of the torque converter and couldn't do anything about it. The third time I took it in(feb), there was another software update which they installed. Upon pulling my car out of the shop they wrecked the front end and had to replace it.(seperate issue but annoying) The software update did not work and we are still having vibrations when the car is downshifting. I hate this car and will never buy from Honda again. I believe this is a huge recall down the road. I am talking to a lawyer about using the lemon law. Any thoughts?
deelee, he's not covered if he has a 2005, our warranty on powertrain is only 3/36K. I'm having the same torque converter issue and the dealer isn't helping me at all. They want $2K to fix it.
Yes, I understand that the people who have this problem are the ones who will be posting here, but I am trying to get an idea of just how extensive the problem is.
I would love to see a forum on edmunds called "Would you buy your vehicle again? Why or why not?".
To:Israelh, Annoying isn't the word I would use to describe your experience!! Make sure they pay you for lost value on your vehicle due to the damage they did. I feel your pain with your vehicle. We are getting the torque converter replaced and then probably trading it in on another vehicle, Not a Honda Odyssey that is for sure! The software update you just got was just put out January 7th, 2010 and I also got this upgrade and it also didn't work! Surprise, Surprise! They told me that you had to drive it 1,000 mile to give the software a chance to kick in and if it didn't at that point they would replace the torque converter. I am going next week to have that done. I have an out of state trip for My Dad's brain surgery and am afraid to drive this moronic vehicle. I want to know who is going to pay for my time and inconvenience? I guess this repair will take another day in the shop. From what I have heard the torque converter often doesn't solve the problem. So then what? I have heard about other owners going into arbitration with Honda. If this doesn't work I'm going to have to do something. I have been reading and researching this issue and I am curious if the ECO system has anything to do with this. It decelerated the cylinders and was first put in the Odyssey in 2007 which is when the dealer told me this started. Of course I don't believe anything they say.
ECO system started in 2006 on the Honda Odyssey. I've got one, and I have the same problems. My local Honda service department told me 2007 and up are the ones with the problems, but obviously I don't agree... I'm really wondering if its their computer programming. When I first got it, we had issues at 40-50 mph. After a computer update, the problems are at 20-65 mph. Hmmm....
It sounds like this is more of a widespread problem then Honda is willing to admit. I wish I could send out an e-mail to all Odyssey owners and find out if they are having these same problems. I wonder how I could get a list of Honda Odyssey owners of these years? My problem happens when I am going uphill at a low speed for the question about how to reproduce this. If you go to the dealership and tell them about the vibration and clutch chatter there is a service bulletin. If they tell you they don't know anything about it, they are lying. Make them do the service. Niceness gets you no where with the dealers and Honda.
I bought 05 Odyssey EX L at 96700 miles. Noticed the vibration on deceleration/downshifting. Saw a comment on this board about the torque converter shudder, so I bought Dr. Tranny's Instant Shudder Fixx (from Oreillys) and added to tranny. Ten miles later, the shuddering is nearly 80% gone! The bottle was only 2 ounces. Thinking of adding one more ounce to see if problem is 100% gone. One bottle cost $7. Talk about cheap fixes!!
I am considering EX or EX-L. Among differences between two, I am wondering whether VCM in EX-L is worth to try. I have seen many complaints of vibration issues related to VCM in older model. I am not sure whether this issue has been addressed or not. I want to buy it ASAP. So, please, give me your advice. Thanks in advance.
I have a 2009 EX-L, 20k miles so far. 2 oil changes. LOVE it! Would I buy an Odyssey again? I traded in a 2003 EX-L w/80k miles for this one. LOVED that one too.
More often than not online forums are filled with people having problems. People who don't have any problems aren't going to go posting it nearly as much as those who have problems. Google any make or model and you'll find posts of 'never buying this again' or 'class action lawsuit'... every manufacturer can't make every vehicle perfect.
I've been fortunate enough to not have any problems, and hope those that do will find a solution that satisfies them. At the very least, don't go by just this forum here, check out odysseyowners.com or odyclub.com to broaden your research.
Count your blessings kohyuta! Mine didn't start until around 30,000 miles. This isn't an isolated incident. Can you imagine how many complaints Honda must receive before they put out a service bulletin making them responsible for replacing a torque converter which will cost the company mega bucks? There's a service bulletin out on this and the dealership told me that they extended the power train warranty to 60,000 miles because of this issue. The manager of the dealership told me that his vice president has this van and has had his torque converter replaced twice already. I ask you, how many people do you think might have this problem that aren't on the internet complaining about it. I guess a Hell of Alot!!
This is pathetic that Honda persists in this behavior in light of the Toyota situation. The mechanic at our dealership was both arrogant and clueless and made us out to be imagining it. Then, after looking into it a bit further, he mentioned that it had been noted as a problem awhile ago and that Honda had a software fix in the works. We asked if he would call us when a fix came out and he said, "Sure, no problem." Haven't heard a word from him and you're telling me the fix came out in Jan 2010. I will never buy another Honda again if they don't make it right. Our car rumbles all the time now and he said it wouldn't cause any problems.
Well, after reading up a bit more, I thought I'd try getting them to reset the computer on my 2006 Odyssey EXL to see if that would help. I figured that I bought it used and its supposed to adjust to driving patterns, so maybe the previous driver's patterns are causing my problems. They said they reset the computer and it made no difference, so they didn't charge me for it. Now they say I should replace the torque converter to the tune of $2k. If I get it replaced, I'm going to petition Honda to pay for it since I've been having their authorized repair facility look at this same problem since before I hit the 60k mile mark and only now are they recommending the work. A mechanic at my church recommended a transmission flush, which he says they do whenever people are having torque converter problems. The honda repair place told me they never do a flush because they change the fluid so much that they don't have to. So I'll just get it done somewhere else. Hope that works...
I own a 2006 Odyssey Touring with about 45k miles on it. The first thing I started to notice was more abrupt engagement of the VCM. We also started feeling the judder between 30 and 45 mph. Took the vehicle to the local dealer and went for drive with the tech. The tech immediately felt the judder and confirmed it was the torque converter. The dealers first course of action was to reprogram the shift points. This actually seemed to make the judder worse but smoothed out the VCM slightly. The tech confirmed this and ordered a torque converter for us. Took the van back in a week later and had the converter installed in less than a day! The judder is now gone, shifts seem smoother and the VCM engagement is seemless! This is more like the 2010 Odyssey we drove. We have put on approx 200 miles since the fix and all is well. Hopefully it doesn't come back.
Today I took my 2007 Honda Odyssey in to have the torque converter replaced under warranty. He told me that Honda is now suggesting a transmission tuneup with the software update that is required before they will replace the torque converter. I told him I had read that someone used a transmission fix type fluid and said it worked. He told me "DON'T EVER PUT ANY FLUID IN YOUR VEHICLE BESIDES HONDA FLUIDS OR YOUR WARRANTY WILL BE NULL AND VOID"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said if they didn't tell them they wouldn't know and he told me that they can tell by the color of the fluid when they drain it and will not do any warranty work on the vehicle period!!
I also own a 2006 Odyssey Touring with now 60k on it. I bought it used and am fixing little things like a rear wheel hub that made it very loud. Now that it is quieter, I can hear and deal with other issues such as the PAX system Michelin Tires and now what may be the torque converter. I need the symptoms associated with the torque converter issue.
Here's what I am experiencing. Between 1000 & 2000 rpm I hear a tapping noise almost like a valve is tapping. I usually experience this with the ECO mode light on and minimal load on the engine - not trying to accelerate hard and on level ground - sometimes even requiring a quick blip or flutter of the accelerator pedal with window closed.
I have also experienced some shuddering when been more aggressive with the throttle and driving more like a sportscar. Obviously, i don't get a chance to drive without my family so the sportscar stuff is few and far between. Could the shuddering be a more pronounced version of the tapping - increasing in decibels along with fuel consumption?
I'd appreciate any info on whether these noises are related or independent of one another as well as there causes and corrections?
In addition, I wanted to get your experience on the Michelin Tires with PAX run flat system?
Go back a page or two on the post and start reading and you will find all the symptoms and then some. It is a distinct problem involving the gears shifting and making a shudder, mostly at low speeds going uphill. It is very noticeable. Good Luck at 60,000 miles you are out of warranty so I hope this isn't the problem. I hear it's a $2000.00 repair!
As luck would have it, the dealer confirmed that it is a torque converter problem and went through its checklist of diagosis which includes a Software update to change the shift pattern of the transmission. It made the noise I previously referred to in another post as well as the shuddering much worse. If I had to live with the vehicle in a state of disrepair -I'd prefer the prior software version. I bought this unit used and it supposedly had an extended warranty on it but somehow it was cancelled in December 2008 before it had 60,000 miles on it. The repair reportedly also requires an alignment when completed. Quoted just shy of $1800 not sure if this includes the alignment but OUCH!
Honda dealer says there is a campaign on the 2007 & 2008 models but they reportedly have not seen this problem in 2006 that much. Trying to get Honda of America to help out on this one. So far they are down to $1000... We'll see!
I have an 06 Touring Ody and have experienced a number of problems that were not necessarily related to one another but made the issues difficult to spearate. I had a droning noise at speed which turned out to be a wheel bearing/wheel hub assembly. The wheel bearing made it difficult to separate the noise and the shudderring problem of the transmission/torque converter. A bad wheel bearing will make the tire(s) wear or cup and cause a noise. Once I figured out the wheel hub bearing replacement, I was over 60,000 miles. I bought the van used. Now Honda wants $1800 but may reduce it to $1000.
In diagosing the torque converter issue, I had the shudder and a tapping noise like a valve tapping or knock sensor. The dealer did a software update to tell the transmission and torque converter to change the shifting points. The update made the noise and the shuddering much worse.
I don't mind paying something for this repair if it is out of warranty but based upon the 2 possible causes and the process of elimination I've gone through to date, Honda of America should be willing to pay at least the labor. I am sure I can get the part for $500 or less.
Other than this and the crazy PAX system problem, I like this van, the styling and the way it drives as compared to the competition - Toyota and Chrysler.
I have some news on this issue from my Honda dealer. The service manager at my honda dealership told me that he contacted honda about this issue because he's seen many cases like this and Honda told him that they're currently working on providing a permant solution on this. It'll take about 6 more months or so. He assured me that it will be fixed free of charge regardless of warranty situation at the time of new fix (he said he'll document it on his system). This is my 2nd time dealing with the same issue after updating the software and replacing the torque converter. Currently there's no solution on this except for waiting to hear from Honda according to him. I've decided to wait until I hear from him rather than wasting my time, money, and energy. Good luck to you all!
That sounds like the Honda HQ that I would expect. BTW - where are you located? And what is the name of the dealer?
I have an 2006 that I bought used and they said they'll replace the torque converter and do the front end alignment which is mandatory after they remove the tranny for just over $1000 reduced from $1800. I have 66K on it and would have addressed the TC sooner but the shuddering was not that frequent. I had a tapping noise that is the TC rattling but it was masked by a bad wheel bearing / wheel hub assembly. Once I replaced the left rear wheel hub assembly, I could easily hear the TC chattering. When they reprogrammed my TC or tranny, the noise and the shuddering got louder and more frequent. In its present state, I don;t think it'll last another six months - either I'll get sick of dealing with the noise or it'll simply fail.
If I was working right now, I'd look for another minivan but would either buy something else or find another Non PAX-Touring version with a warranty and no current TC problems - probably rare.
Before my PAX, TC and Wheel Hub problems I used to joke with my wife about pimping the minivan out because we have so many little ones and will need to drive it for a while. Pretty sad when a $40,000 vehicle has so many problems.
I sincerely hope your Honda dealer is not blowing smoke.
I got my torque converter replaced a week ago and it's like a new van. We are going on a long road trip over Easter so I will let everyone know how it fares! Wish us luck!
Note your mileage and make sure you have all records saved regarding the replacement for the future. Regardless of whether the dealer did it under warranty or not. I have not read every post on this site regarding this issue, but I am getting the impression that some people are only getting a temporary fix from the replacement.
Also, if you can, compare your MPG before versus after the replacement.
What year, model and milege Ody do you have?
I am trying to find info on a class action suit regarding the TC & tranny problems. If I cannot find one in progress, I may be starting a new post collecting data about the problems people have experienced with this issue.
I am thinking about all the data that will need to be collected in order to document this issue for Honda or a court to take action.
Mine is 2008 and has about 29,500 miles on it. I live in Houston but took it to Allen Honda in College Station, TX. I love their service department. Very nice people and, more than anything else, they take this matter seriously.
I had to look up what kind of model our van is! It is a 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L Van 3.5/A5. Oh Yes, I have saved all my paperwork!!! I have been going back and forth with the dealership and Honda over this situation for quite some time. I have had the latest software update, which was worthless and now the torque converter. I understand that it hasn't worked for some people. Of course I hope it will last for me, but am skeptical. I have heard of some people going into litigation with Honda over this. I have surfed around the web looking for a class action law suit, but haven't found anything yet. If you read back a few pages on this forum you will see what has been commented on this issue by me and many others. It's a major screwup on Honda's part and I think something should be done about this.
I too am having this vibration issue. I own a 2005 EX. The vibrations started about 4 months ago. It is most noticeable around 30-40 mph when accelerating. Like others have described, its feels like i am driving over little speed bumps and the car vibrates quite noticeably. From what I've read I'm concerned about it being a major issue, concern for safety. I'll try to get the transmission fluid changed and see if that helps. I hope I won't need a new torque converter or something bigger fixed, unless Honda covers it of course.
The easy way to test it by yourself is have them drive it and feel the vibration(ya mon). In order to replicate it I had to accelerate to 32MPH then ease off the gas till my speed dropped down to 28 then start to slowly accelerate again. They told me several times they couldn't fix my problem till I could replicate. After they can feel it put some shudder stop in the transmission, if it goes away it's the torque converter. They also told me they won't put any additives in the car.(I feel this is a cheap easy test). They tried to get me to put motor mounts in at my expense of course.
You will probably need a new torque converter. We all are having the same problem. It seems like many of us with the 2005's are hitting this problem around the same time period. Honda will not cover it unless you raise heck...even then, they will only pay a small amount. I have a list of around 20 others who are going to be sending a letter to Honda soon demanding a service bulletin.
I was so excited that the torque converter had taken the shuttering away and then on Sunday I pulled out of the garage and my husband told me there was a puddle of transmission fluid. Another day with the car in the shop and another major inconvenience and they said it was the axle seal and fixed that, I hope anyway!! We leave for the long rode trip on Friday. Wish us luck.
Make sure that any fluid change or topoff, should be done by a honda dealer for warranty purposes make sure the paper work is legible for future reasons,
Some times they may use any non-honda endorsed product as excuse to reduce or refuse a warranty.
It is futile to change the transmission fluid. When they inevitable end up changing the torque converter they drain all the transmission fluid, because they have to pull the transmission to do the repair. In my opinion, software updates are a waste of time, but required by Honda before changing the torque converter. Good lUCK
I agree that the transmission fluid is probably a waste of time and money that will not resolve the issue of the torque converter or related symptoms. If that is what you need to do to finally come to terms with the need to pursue a torque converter replacement, just make sure you have a Honda dealer do the fluid change and it is well documented. If there are any changes in the tranny's behavior as a result of the fluid change, I would bet that they are very short-lived.
As for the software upgrades, at least in my case, I would again have to agree that the software is a waste of time. It made my shuttering and crazy noises associated with the tranny slapping the final drive louder and more frequent than the old software. I am trying to dig up the money to replace the TC or otherwise decide whether to just dump the vehicle for another. In the meantime, the software is so bad that I am trying to see if they can remove the update because the previous version was better.
Ask the dealer for an estimate to replace the TC if your vehicle is out of warranty - probably $1800 to 2300. Then ask them for assistance given the history of the problem for the model. If you bought the vehicle new and kept it serviced at the same dealer, they are probably going to be more inclined to help you and keep you as a happy customer. Just a theory, but....
well...i'm new, but found this via google. our 2007 odyssey started this business around 25k miles. we now have 53k miles. we have had a bazillionty "software updates" and we had the torque converter replaced last month. and it is still shuddering between 25 and 35 mph. not everytime we drive it, but nearly. we want the car to go away,but we are afraid to sell it, and make it someone else's nightmare. and we don't really want to trade it because we won't get a decent trade in while it is still acting awful. our warranty is going to expire in 7000 miles. my husband is saving up all his excess anger to go in and raise hell in a couple weeks...he has to wait though until we have driven it enough that it is doing the shudder every single time we start it. that whole 'replication" issue.
just wanted to chime in in case we do manage to get a class action going. :sick:
Hi- I just bought a 2007 EXL from Carmax. We got a shudder at 25, a hum "like someone was vaccuming upstairs" at 40, and even a little catch at 60. Took it back in today, and they suspect the transmission fluid is to blame...said that it was crappy. They said that the fluid needed to be changed every 30K. This has 40K, and probalby hadn't been changed. They did a full system flush and changed out the fluids, and to my pleasant surprise, all is good!!! However, they said that it might be okay for a little while then start again, at which point they'll send me to the Honda dealer. We also had the vehicle checked out at HOnda a week ago, and they did the latest software upgrade, which didn't help a bit.
heya deelee, if carmax is one of those places that will take the van back? get your money back. i love hondas and i love my van, but this problem is a lasting one and if you have no warranty? a very pricey one. a new torque converter will cost you 2000+ and a new transmission? thousands above that. it seems to be a problem just with the 2004-2008 models? maybe you could get a newer or older one?
I agree, try to get your money back at Car max or a newer model. Is there any factory warranty left? Perhaps you can cut a deal for an extended warranty to cover the vehicle if the factory warranty is almost up. Depends on when it was sold... Any relief you get from the new tranny fluid or software upgrades will be short-lived if there is any improvements at all. Mine got worse with the upgrade. If not, trade it in. I purchased mine used as well and Honda is willing to discount the cost to replace the TC but in my opinion - not enough. They want me to pay $1000 because the van was reportedly not maintained by a honda dealer and I did not by it from a honda dealer. I cannot verify if it was or was not maintained at a dealer. I also heard that the new TC does not necessarily work or resolve the problem long term. My problems in terms of noise and shuddering feeling were masked by a bad rear wheel hub or bearing which caused a loud humming and could cause the tire to wear stange and cause the vibration. Once the wheel hub was replaced I discovered the other TC problem. These are great and popular vehicles and I am outraged at the way Honda is handling this. Perhaps this is how they do it until they truly come up with a long term resolution for fear of bad PR if they announce a recall without a true fix - See Toyota for lessons learned.
This is an ongoing problem and I came across a bulletin from Honda. For those that want to comfirm their problem or throw it in the dealers face click on the PDF link below...
Just to let you know the VIN#s mean absolutely nothing. All cars need to be fixed. And don't let anyone or dealer tell you that they will replace the fluids on the tranny. That only will bandaid the situation and probably won't come back until after warranty. If out of warranty, you can have the dealer/tech fight for you, bring a copy of this bulletin of course (give you more fighting power) and offer to pay only 25% of repair cost.
I went through this and I know it's not fun. Take it from a pissed off single mother of 3 children and 2 are disabled. No one sells me a piece of crap.
FYI: Once torque converter is replaced. Make sure they also change the rear motor mounts as well. Vibrations damage it. If under power train warranty, rear motor mount is covered. Don't let them tell you it isn't. You will need realignment as well. Bide by the warranty on the new torque converter. When warranty is up. I would recommend using Amsoil or changing your tranny fluids twice a year. If not it will come back again.
Weather the vehicle was maintained or not either at a Honda dealer or not, they need to eat the bulk of the cost for the new TC. Tell your dealer to contact American Honda and tell them your willing to offer only 25% of the cost and fight hard. It's not your fault they put in crappy TC. And to help with your amo here is a bulletin from Honda...
Just so you know. My vehicle was well maintained at a Honda dealer for all maintenance. Up to date and on time. I still had the problem. You also may need a new motor mount. Have them check it. If not, it will cost more to go back and replace. I hope I helped.
Comments
Also, have you had any problems with the side doors as others have mentioned?
Thanks for any advice you can give. I am considering a 2010 EX, but I don't want to make an expensive mistake.
http://automobiles.honda.com/news/press-releases-article.aspx?Category=Fit%205-D- oor&Article=2006031670437
So he said very sheepishly, "yeah it's covered". I believe this must be a dealer scam, where they charge us for the repair, AND also bill Honda for the warranty work.
If you have vibration issues, get it fixes while under warranty, and make sure the dealer does not scam you!!!! Our warranty was 60,000 not the 50,000 that the dealer repeatedly said it was.
go google selection bias when you have some free time
I would love to see a forum on edmunds called "Would you buy your vehicle again? Why or why not?".
Be forewarned, though. The older the vehicle, the more complaints there are, and some of them are duplicates. You may be looking for a long time.
More often than not online forums are filled with people having problems. People who don't have any problems aren't going to go posting it nearly as much as those who have problems. Google any make or model and you'll find posts of 'never buying this again' or 'class action lawsuit'... every manufacturer can't make every vehicle perfect.
I've been fortunate enough to not have any problems, and hope those that do will find a solution that satisfies them. At the very least, don't go by just this forum here, check out odysseyowners.com or odyclub.com to broaden your research.
Good luck!
Here's what I am experiencing. Between 1000 & 2000 rpm I hear a tapping noise almost like a valve is tapping. I usually experience this with the ECO mode light on and minimal load on the engine - not trying to accelerate hard and on level ground - sometimes even requiring a quick blip or flutter of the accelerator pedal with window closed.
I have also experienced some shuddering when been more aggressive with the throttle and driving more like a sportscar. Obviously, i don't get a chance to drive without my family so the sportscar stuff is few and far between. Could the shuddering be a more pronounced version of the tapping - increasing in decibels along with fuel consumption?
I'd appreciate any info on whether these noises are related or independent of one another as well as there causes and corrections?
In addition, I wanted to get your experience on the Michelin Tires with PAX run flat system?
Thanks!
Honda dealer says there is a campaign on the 2007 & 2008 models but they reportedly have not seen this problem in 2006 that much. Trying to get Honda of America to help out on this one. So far they are down to $1000... We'll see!
In diagosing the torque converter issue, I had the shudder and a tapping noise like a valve tapping or knock sensor. The dealer did a software update to tell the transmission and torque converter to change the shifting points. The update made the noise and the shuddering much worse.
I don't mind paying something for this repair if it is out of warranty but based upon the 2 possible causes and the process of elimination I've gone through to date, Honda of America should be willing to pay at least the labor. I am sure I can get the part for $500 or less.
Other than this and the crazy PAX system problem, I like this van, the styling and the way it drives as compared to the competition - Toyota and Chrysler.
CAN YOU SAY "CLASS ACTION"?
I THINK U CAN!
Can I get an AMEN!
I have an 2006 that I bought used and they said they'll replace the torque converter and do the front end alignment which is mandatory after they remove the tranny for just over $1000 reduced from $1800. I have 66K on it and would have addressed the TC sooner but the shuddering was not that frequent. I had a tapping noise that is the TC rattling but it was masked by a bad wheel bearing / wheel hub assembly. Once I replaced the left rear wheel hub assembly, I could easily hear the TC chattering. When they reprogrammed my TC or tranny, the noise and the shuddering got louder and more frequent. In its present state, I don;t think it'll last another six months - either I'll get sick of dealing with the noise or it'll simply fail.
If I was working right now, I'd look for another minivan but would either buy something else or find another Non PAX-Touring version with a warranty and no current TC problems - probably rare.
Before my PAX, TC and Wheel Hub problems I used to joke with my wife about pimping the minivan out because we have so many little ones and will need to drive it for a while. Pretty sad when a $40,000 vehicle has so many problems.
I sincerely hope your Honda dealer is not blowing smoke.
Please keep me informed: tsventuri@embarqmail.com
Thanks!
If i could make a couple of suggestions:
Note your mileage and make sure you have all records saved regarding the replacement for the future. Regardless of whether the dealer did it under warranty or not. I have not read every post on this site regarding this issue, but I am getting the impression that some people are only getting a temporary fix from the replacement.
Also, if you can, compare your MPG before versus after the replacement.
What year, model and milege Ody do you have?
I am trying to find info on a class action suit regarding the TC & tranny problems. If I cannot find one in progress, I may be starting a new post collecting data about the problems people have experienced with this issue.
I am thinking about all the data that will need to be collected in order to document this issue for Honda or a court to take action.
Good Luck on your trip and keep me posted.
e-mail: tsventuri@embarqmail.com
You will probably need a new torque converter. We all are having the same problem. It seems like many of us with the 2005's are hitting this problem around the same time period. Honda will not cover it unless you raise heck...even then, they will only pay a small amount. I have a list of around 20 others who are going to be sending a letter to Honda soon demanding a service bulletin.
We leave for the long rode trip on Friday. Wish us luck.
Make sure that any fluid change or topoff, should be done by a honda dealer for warranty purposes make sure the paper work is legible for future reasons,
Some times they may use any non-honda endorsed product as excuse to reduce or refuse a warranty.
As for the software upgrades, at least in my case, I would again have to agree that the software is a waste of time. It made my shuttering and crazy noises associated with the tranny slapping the final drive louder and more frequent than the old software. I am trying to dig up the money to replace the TC or otherwise decide whether to just dump the vehicle for another. In the meantime, the software is so bad that I am trying to see if they can remove the update because the previous version was better.
Ask the dealer for an estimate to replace the TC if your vehicle is out of warranty - probably $1800 to 2300. Then ask them for assistance given the history of the problem for the model. If you bought the vehicle new and kept it serviced at the same dealer, they are probably going to be more inclined to help you and keep you as a happy customer. Just a theory, but....
just wanted to chime in in case we do manage to get a class action going. :sick:
if carmax is one of those places that will take the van back? get your money back. i love hondas and i love my van, but this problem is a lasting one and if you have no warranty? a very pricey one. a new torque converter will cost you 2000+ and a new transmission? thousands above that. it seems to be a problem just with the 2004-2008 models? maybe you could get a newer or older one?
This is an ongoing problem and I came across a bulletin from Honda. For those that want to comfirm their problem or throw it in the dealers face click on the PDF link below...
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A09-053.PDF
Just to let you know the VIN#s mean absolutely nothing. All cars need to be fixed. And don't let anyone or dealer tell you that they will replace the fluids on the tranny. That only will bandaid the situation and probably won't come back until after warranty. If out of warranty, you can have the dealer/tech fight for you, bring a copy of this bulletin of course (give you more fighting power) and offer to pay only 25% of repair cost.
I went through this and I know it's not fun. Take it from a pissed off single mother of 3 children and 2 are disabled. No one sells me a piece of crap.
FYI: Once torque converter is replaced. Make sure they also change the rear motor mounts as well. Vibrations damage it. If under power train warranty, rear motor mount is covered. Don't let them tell you it isn't. You will need realignment as well. Bide by the warranty on the new torque converter. When warranty is up. I would recommend using Amsoil or changing your tranny fluids twice a year. If not it will come back again.
Good Luck!!!
check it out, print it out, take it in.
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A09-053.PDF
Just so you know. My vehicle was well maintained at a Honda dealer for all maintenance. Up to date and on time. I still had the problem. You also may need a new motor mount. Have them check it. If not, it will cost more to go back and replace. I hope I helped.
Good Luck!!!